Hello Catherine,
Interacting with students is very important. You find out a lot about students by interacting with them. Your findings will help you better deal with students.
Patricia
I think this is important to ensure that you understand where each student is coming from and what issues they might be having that you might not otherwise know if you didn't interact with them. I've had issues with this in the larger classs and if I try to classify the class into smaller segments of students who might be smiliarly minded, I find I have a better understanding of the students.
Hi Dixie,
We must be able to communicate with our students on the level by not being the big, bad gatekeeper. Once they determine that we are on their side, they tend to interact more openly to us.
Patricia
I've mentioned in another context the challenge of students who would like to remain anonymous and have their deficits in basic skills overlooked. Personal interaction is the only way to slip past their defenses. Not only does it reassure them that I see them as individuals and respect their strengths even as I'm aware of their weaknessess, but it also helps them to accept me as an individual also, not just as the big, bad gatekeeper.
Hi Thomas,
Every student should matter, no student should feel as though they are an outcast.
Patricia
Students need to feel that they are a viable part of the class. If a student is left out or ignored they will often shut down and exclude themselves for the learning environment.
